The MTV Video Music Awards are always shocking and unpredictable and this year was no exception. The 2023 Vmas took place on September 12 in Newark, New Jersey. Many idolized stars made an appearance including Cardi B, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Taylor Swift who won nine awards for her recent studio album Midnights, including Video of the Year, Swift won the coveted Video of the Year award for her song “Anti-Hero.” This is her fourth time winning this award in her career. Swift now holds 2nd place behind Beyoncé for the most Moon Persons (the VMA trophy) with 23. Although Swift did not perform at the VMAs she did interact quite a bit with the various performers of the night: dancing to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s performance, Shakira, Demi Lovato, and many others.
One of the most memorable performances of the night was Olivia Rodrigo’s performance of two songs from her new album “Guts.” At the end of her performance of “Vampire,” pieces of her set and lighting equipment seemed to break and collapse as she was escorted off stage by a technician. People in the audience seemed very confused by what was going on, as were many viewers at home, but it turned out to be a stage trick referencing the “Vampire” music video. Rodrigo then returned to the stage and performed her energetic pop revenge/love song “Get Him Back!” Rodrigo won best editing for her “Vampire” music video.
Another memorable moment was Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallions’ debut live performance of their song “Bongos.” Cardi B entered the stage by dropping down from a diamond ball wearing a sparkly blue outfit. The entertainers danced with a bunch of background dancers as they performed a choreographed routine inspired by the tropical-themed “Bongos” music video.
Doja Cat also performed at the VMAs, she performed a medley of the three singles off of her upcoming album “Scarlet.” Many people were shocked that she was performing at the VMAs because she has recently received a lot of criticism for being ungrateful to her fan base. She was nominated for 6 awards and won art direction for her song “Attention.”
Other notable awards of the night were, Song of the Summer which was awarded to “Seven” by Jungkook and Latto. Ice Spice won the Best New Artist award. Lana del Rey and Jon Batiste won the Best Alternative Video award for the “Candy Necklace” music video.
The VMAs are one of the important award ceremonies in the music industry. Perhaps the most shocking part of the night was how focused everyone was on Taylor Swift and her reactions to other celebrities. Who knows what we can expect from next year’s ceremony?
